I wake up every day in a reality framed by those decisions made so long ago. The impact on me and my current relationships, my children, and their children carries on. These people sat in a high place and lorded it over us ... with no regard for the impact on out lives. The damage carries on for generations.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Still checking in, Reep. Some perspective and the long view is always helpful. I think we all feel a bit sheepish about being so duped, so naïve, but we were living our lives with passion and it felt so right. The fault is not ours but the ones who led us over the cliff so cynically. We sacrificed family relationships, careers, friendships, and years of our lives and ultimately the truth. Thank G
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks for digging that up and reposting. The damage has not abated. The perpetrators got off scot free. Many gave up the best years of their lives. "There's a place for us ...." we have to move forward and reclaim our essence - but that's so difficult to do as a deliberate act of intention as opposed to a reaction to the tyranny of the past.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hello all. As an officially proclaimed "enemy of the church" (thanks for label, JM)I continue to read your posts with appreciation. I'm wondering if anyone can comment on current events - is there an effort underway to reconstitute the fellowship of churches? Is anyone reaching out to say, in effect, "the teaching was elevated. There were problems with the flesh. Let's no
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

My daughter was and is in the same situation as you. you - in amazingly clear English - have articulated the situation perfectly. Thank you for your contribution.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

In a culture where submission was valued above all, and if you're a leader covering one's own ass or the ass of a relative was important, it's inevitable that abuse that would be harmful to the innocents (little people) was the result.The fanatical loyalty towards leadership only added to the brew.The generation that threw their children into this should be held accountable.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Aardvark - One thing I think we have all faced is dealing with having "drunk the lemonade" and waking up to find precious years and relationships and financial resources just living were consumed by a plague of locusts - the CLW. I too treasured relationships - still do - and have always felt that a majority of the "little people" were wonderful. But we were all drinking t
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thx Reep
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks Reep!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hi! Anyone know what's going on in San Diego? I've heard some rumors about JM and a connection with Alaska ...
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Families were torn apart by this. Lives were maimed if not ruined. I so feel for those who were born into it and given no choice. In the pursuit of an idealistic and seemingly perfect future we were subjected to abusive treatment - and said "Bring it on!". Part of the price to be paid. I so hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Cowards running for cover after years of &q
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Let’s not forget the origins of this group. ( please feel free to correct any errors. My memory ain’t what it used to be! ) It was meant to be the restoration of apostolic authority. Inherent in that is a lack of accountability. The only check on abuse in the beginning was created by relationships with other groups. Richard Riss wrote about these five groups that came out of the latter rain move
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Sorry, but this just reeks of too little too late. All of the abuses that have been carried on all these years unabated. Really? Manipulation and self-preservation have been the hallmarks of this organization. Why would that suddenly change? Only out of self-interest. They're not looking out for us. They;'re looking out for them. Millions of dollars at stake. And a messianic self-image
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thank you all for the continued dialog and thoughtful analysis of the impact that CLW, JRS. G & M had on you ... I still struggle to understand how ANYONE could continue to fall for this. For the most part they are wonderful, smart people. I guess the allure of being a member of the elite that is uniquely right and hearing certainty from the pulpit in times of confusion and uncertainty is the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

A few years after i was given the "right foot of fellowship" I traveled to see a highly regarded apostolic ministry in action. After the service he walked across the room unimpeded by acolytes, talked to me briefly and invited me into a side room for a private chat. I was floored. The Apostle to the Kingdom couldn't take a dump at Shiloh without having to lay hands on those who wan
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Invisible - hearing differently??? As if there was a culture that encouraged divergent thinking?? There was nothing even close to that allowed. Ask the wrong question and you're out.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Really, Invisible? Not even a question. Our first act of submission to gain full acceptance into the "remnant" was to renounce Christmas and refuse to celebrate it with our families.The first act of rebellion when the Washington Iowa church split was to put up a big Christmas tree in their sanctuary.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

TheJewel Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > FCSLC Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > The following are names that I thought were > part > > of the Apostolic Company: Fred Bickhart, Bill > > Arnold, R.D. Cronquist, Vere Thomas, Howard > Klein, > > JRS, Bill Mabey, Harold Williams an
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Just caught up with everyone again. What a prolific thread - Golden I'm tempted to say. thanks for your honesty and sincerity.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Or purchase directly at
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I'd try writing him directly. He was very generous with me and sent me a copy (but this was years ago). I think I sent enough to cover photocopying and postage. He's at rriss@drew.edu
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

It's sad to note that a part of the annual School Of Prophets meeting at Shiloh is the designation of the Top 10 Kingdom Businesses. Based of course on their fiscal and spiritual support of G&M who are so obviously hurting. It must really suck to be giving your life to this ministry and come in at number 11 ...
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I've finally caught up with you guys! That was a lot of reading. I think you'd find Riss' thesis (it's about the Latter Rain and Evangelical revivals from the late 1940's on, including some insight into figures like Billy Graham) an informative read. God's Generals too - it frankly (if a bit dogmatically) assesses some major failings of historic ministries. On
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Paleface asked: "Was one of the 5 streams the movement of William Branham? Branham and JRS seemed to be very similar." No, not that I am aware of. I've never heard of any connection between Branham and JRS. Branham died in 1965 and there were rumors that his body had been frozen or preserved (sound familiar?).Some hoped he would be resurrected and he wasn't buried until aft
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I've just started reading this forum and have reached page 50 ... and yet it's so active I always seem to be less than half-way to the most recent post! As late as it is, I have some information (I apologize if this is redundant due to a future post I haven't read yet) that might be of interest to Chaos1952 in his quest for some of the historical origins of "The Walk".
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families